Effortless Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken Recipe for Cheese Lovers

My culinary adventure with slow cooker mozzarella chicken began on a chaotic weeknight when simplicity became my kitchen mantra.

Comfort emerged from an unexpected blend of tender chicken and melty cheese.

Busy professionals understand the magic of hands-off cooking that delivers maximum flavor.

Layers of Italian-inspired ingredients mingle effortlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious without complex preparation techniques.

Creamy mozzarella transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular you’ll crave again and again.

Prepare to fall in love with this effortless dinner solution that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken Perfect For Set-And-Forget Dinners

• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Effortlessly prepare a delicious meal that brings everyone together without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to a mouthwatering chicken dish packed with Italian-inspired taste.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in a creamy, gooey chicken recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Versatile Weeknight Champion: Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a hassle-free, comforting dinner that requires minimal cooking skills.

Mozzarella Chicken Slow Cooker Blend

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the core of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances flavor, low-sodium options recommended for better control of saltiness.

• Garlic Powder: Provides mild, concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, kosher or sea salt preferred.
• Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds rich tomato base and Italian-style flavor, store-bought or homemade works well.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings authentic Mediterranean taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, creamy topping that adds richness and golden color, shredded varieties recommended for even melting.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that provides fresh finish and visual appeal.

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure every inch is coated with delicious flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning

Pour this zesty sauce mixture completely over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-covered.

Step 4: Cook to Tender Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3 hours

The chicken is ready when it becomes incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the cheese transforms into a gooey, bubbly blanket over the chicken.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of bright, herbal flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering cheesy chicken creation!

Chicken Tips With Slow Cooker Mozzarella Touch

• Adjust salt and pepper quantities based on personal taste preferences, ensuring the chicken remains flavorful without being overly salty.
• Choose chicken breasts with some moisture to keep the meat tender during slow cooking, avoiding tough or stringy texture.
• Layer cheeses evenly for uniform melting, preventing clumpy or unmelted spots across the chicken surface.
• Consider adding a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for extra complexity and richness.
• Swap fresh basil with dried oregano or thyme if fresh herbs are unavailable, maintaining the recipe's aromatic profile.

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken: Save for Later Meals

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it will stay good for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Soft Matches For Mozzarella Chicken

• Pop Open a Crisp Pinot Grigio: Refreshing white wine cuts through the rich, cheesy chicken and complements the marinara's tangy flavor profile.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Herb Focaccia: Crusty bread soaks up the delicious sauce and provides a wonderful textural contrast to the tender, melted cheese chicken.
• Create a Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the hearty main dish and adds brightness to the meal.
• Select a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add nutritional depth and a caramelized flavor that enhances the chicken's Italian-inspired taste.

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken Versions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan and lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap marinara sauce with homemade tomato sauce without added sugars and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, paprika, and swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken broth and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free and use fresh herbs instead of pre-mixed seasonings to avoid potential gluten contamination.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can substitute with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or pasta sauce. Add some extra Italian herbs to maintain the flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free marinara sauce. Always check your ingredient labels to confirm.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish a kick of heat.

Slow Cooker Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker mozzarella chicken brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to kitchen tables. Creamy cheese and tender chicken merge in a delightful melody of flavors that comfort and satisfy you completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Cheeses:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Transfer the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, arranging pieces in a single layer for uniform cooking.
3. Create a flavorful liquid base by whisking together robust chicken broth, rich marinara sauce, and fragrant Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl.
4. Cascade the combined sauce mixture over the chicken, making certain each piece is thoroughly coated and nestled in the liquid.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for 5-6 hours or on high temperature for 3 hours, until meat becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart.
6. During the final 20-25 minutes of cooking, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses across the chicken’s surface.
7. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the cheese melts completely, transforming into a golden, bubbling blanket.
8. Remove from heat and delicately garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.
9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set slightly.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Experiment with different marinara sauces to customize the flavor profile, from classic to spicy or herb-infused varieties.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the marinara sauce is certified gluten-free and use corn starch instead of traditional thickeners if needed.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken sandwich or pasta topping by shredding the tender meat and mixing with the cheesy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg